The timing couldn’t have been much better, coinciding with OSCON
– the biggest open source gathering going. The non-profit
organisation is now accepting applications for Individual Membership, where individuals
will become involved in OSI governance. Applicants
are encouraged to make a tax-deductible donation of $40
(where possible, accrued annually).

The move is another step in the OSI’s radical
restructuring process, shifting towards a completely member-driven
structure, moving away from the model where self-appointed
directors were present. After 14 years with this outdate model, the
board decided to open up the OSI more – to allow developers, users
and vendors a more direct role in its advocacy.

At the helm of this overhaul is OSI president Simon
Phipps, appointed this year to oversee the big move – an ideal
candidate given his passion for preaching the open source state of
mind. His first proposal was to open the Affiliate Membership
program, inviting not-for-profit organisations into the fold.
Currently, 22
members are on the books – from Apache to Wikimedia, and just
recently, three more Affiliates have joined. These include the
Open Source Software Institute, the Python Software Foundation, and
the Brazilian Java user group Soujava. The latter is especially
encouraging to hear, with one of the most proactive and biggest
community groups around getting onboard.

Phipps said: “The transformation of the OSI into a
member-based organization is a timely and important step for the
worldwide open source community”.

The new Individual Membership category allows individuals to
support the mission and work of the OSI by joining discussions
about that work and help shape the future for the OSI itself. This
isn’t a mandatory requirement for Members however. It’s well worth
your while supporting a very important cause for software
development, helping educate others on the merits of open source
models. Due to economic embargoes, donations cannot be accepted
from all countries. Check here for more details.
Why not get
involved!